Youth Advisory Group

There are nearly 1 million young people that help to make up the population across West Yorkshire and so it is vital that young people have their say in informing policing practise to make West Yorkshire Safe, Just and Inclusive.

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The Mayor’s Youth Advisory Group

There are nearly 1 million young people that help to make up the population across West Yorkshire and so it is vital that young people have their say in informing policing practise to make West Yorkshire Safe, Just and Inclusive.

The Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, holds the Police and Crime Commissioner function for West Yorkshire, and works closely with her Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime (DMPC), Alison Lowe OBE who drives the work through delegated responsibility. Together, they work with West Yorkshire Police to drive forward change, whilst providing scrutiny and holding the Chief Constable to account. Find out more about the Mayor’s functions.

Alison Lowe, John Robins, Tracy Brabin

From left to right,  Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe OBE, Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police, John Robins QPM DL and the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin.

The Youth Advisory Group is a function that sits within the Mayor’s Policing and Crime duty, where young people aged 13-21 are invited to voice their views, opinions, and experiences in order to support the Mayor and DMPC to carry out her PCC functions and to steer future decisions, policy and engagement.

The Youth Advisory Group’s objectives are to:

  • Engage and consult on policing, crime and community safety issues with the Policing and Crime Team.
  • Have their voices and views heard by decision makers, directly and indirectly informing the Mayor and DMPC, the Police and other relevant Partners.
  • Help to advise on policing practises, strategies and policies.
  • Represent your community on policing and crime issues (your community can mean the area you live, your Race, Age, Disability, Neurodiversity, LGBTQIA+ or Gender, for example).
  • Help to build relationships between the police, young people and communities

Young people were key in consulting on the things that mattered the most to them in West Yorkshire which fed into the Mayor’s Police and Crime Plan 2021-2024.

 

Can I join?

If you are interested in joining the YAG, the application process is simple.

You will need to be aged between 13 and 21 and live, work, or study in West Yorkshire.

You will need to complete an expression of interest form, telling us why you would like to join the group, what policing, crime and community safety issues you are interested in and why you would like to represent the views of other young people. 

Find out more about recruitment.

 

What is expected from YAG members?

The group meet a minimum of four times a year, all across West Yorkshire, to capture the current and ongoing issues that affect them and the people they know. Meetings are held in person with an option to join online and other consultations can be run virtually. You can choose how you would like to engage with the team.

Members of the group successfully contribute their:

  • Time, energy and commitment.
  • Knowledge, awareness or experience of policing, crime and community safety issues.
  • Advice to inform the Mayor and DMPC.
  • Engagement with online consultations and requests for feedback.

The Youth Advisory group does not require you to be an expert on any topic. Your personal views and comments are what are valued the most.

We really appreciate your time and contribution, so we will reimburse you any reasonable travel costs as well as lunch and refreshments on the day. Please note that this is not a paid position.

What does the YAG do and why should I join?

Some of the previous policing, crime and community safety priorities raised by the Youth Advisory Group have included:

  • Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
  • Serious organised crime.
  • Violent crime.
  • Anti-social behaviour.
  • Child safety.
  • Use of Stop and Search.
  • Taking young people seriously.
  • Improving relationships with the police.

As well as having your voice heard and helping to make West Yorkshire Safe, Just and Inclusive, some of the other reasons YAG members have joined the group include:

  • Access and exposure to West Yorkshire leaders (such as the Mayor, DMPC, Chief Constable).
  • Raise issues, be heard and be a part of the solution.
  • Inform Policing and Crime strategies and policies for West Yorkshire.
  • Develop personal confidence to share, discuss and debate.
  • Develop your CV, references, have positions of responsibility, and receive certificates of attendance.
  • Attend policing experience days.
  • Volunteer at Mayoral events.
  • Discuss things that matter to them and represent their community (your town, Race, Age, Disability, LGBTQIA+, Gender, for example).
  • Opportunities to engage with and challenge West Yorkshire Police.
  • Training and development opportunities

 

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